When I think of the seasons, I think of baseball and how it mirrors the seasons (and former commissioner Giammatti's thoughts on the subject) and how the seasons, like baseball, give you hope and break your heart, and worse, when you need them most, it's all gone. Your piece captures that kind of imagery well, the seasons changing over the course of the year, but then the quick and sometimes dramatic change also. (Especially true here in Texas at times) I also liked how you rhymed but did not stick to a particular format, giving it a free verse feel, but with some sense of rhyme. In all, well done.
My goodness, this was not what I thought it would be about, but you make some great assertions and I have to agree. Where does life begin? What is the right thing to do? Who's rights are more important? These are the questions I see in this. Personally, I used to be for a woman's right to choose. It's their body, right? Well, what about the body they are carrying? What about it's right to live? I'm not so sure people take these considerations in account all too often. In the end, people will do what they feel is right, often at the expense of others, the tragedy in the darkness of this world. A very well written and moving article. Thanks for writing it.
A very touching piece, and something not touched on in most circles, the Pakistani/Indian conflict that has really raged since their separation. You capture a soldier's longing for home well, though the reporting of the fight seems a little more objective than I might of thought. Then there is a shift in emotions to the end... I think that if there is not such a dramatic emotional shift it would make a good piece even better. I also like how you capture the tactical situation and the terminology. Well done in that regard. In all, I found the story well written, but I think more could be done in the center of the piece to convey more of what is going on internally as well as without.
I dont think we can have darkness without light. I always feel I am riding the line between the two, chasing shadows, so to speak. You get a great sense of conflict and emotion in this, and I like the fact you strive for the light but recognise that darkness is inevitable. Still, the last lines are not so much naive as wistful I think, perhaps even imploring. In the end, well written and well done.
Well, I will say that hope is a fine thing, perhaps even the best of things. The world needs a litte more each day, and so do we. I like the emotions in this, at first tenuous, then there is the possible, then the hopeful, and finally, the expectant... a step beyond the hope, almost knowing it to be. In the end, it's the best we can do, but then we cant let it consume us either... the dark side of hope, I suspect. In all, well done, and well deserved award.
A very internal piece it seems of one trying to seek but not able to find. We certainly all have our demons and confronting them can be trying, and sometimes impossible. And there are times when you do have to run to find what you need. Very interesting in flow... a little choppy but does not distract at all, in fact I think enhances it. In all, well done.
Sometimes hope is all we have and that can never be a bad thing. I would rather hope than the alternative. I am not so sure that this poem is as simplistic as you claim. In structure, possibly, but the heart of the matter is more complex than most admit, realise, or are sometimes capable of understanding. Another well done poem.
When I get the chance, I will read the essay on Boswell; however, wanted to comment on this first. It is pretty clear Shakespeare had to use a wealth of sources for a majority of his dramas and historical works. I am not as up on King Lear as I am on the histories or Hamlet, but followed a great deal because I recognise the sources that you cite in this. I take it you study Medieval literature, for some of the references go back quite a bit. I am not as up on my literary sources for the time period as my focus is history, though I admit much of the historical works of the 14th century have a literary feel to it (Most of Chaucer's work was intertwined as a mesh of fiction and non-fiction), but the medieval mind found it perfectly acceptable to mix a little fiction in with non-fiction. Makes my work frustrating, especially Jean de Froissart's Chronicles Siding with the English, he inflates casualty numbers for battles during the Hundred Years War to make himself look better in the eyes of the English.
That brings me to a point about Shakespeare in that many of his historical plays had to be modified to fit the prevailing mood of the time period, which was pro-Tudor and anti-Stuart/Lancaster/Plantaganet. Hence, when most people think of Richard III, they think of Shakespeare's characterization (or Sir Ian McKellen in the fine modern adaptation of the play), which was a little further from the truth. This is, of course, something not really applicable to King Lear, but indicitave though of the political realities in which Shakespeare worked. He had to make the play still look good for the government or it would be the last play he would write.
In all, I thought the essay was exceptionally well thought out and brought some interesting information on where and how Shakespeare might have gotten his sources for this play, and others.
Very touching and romantic poem, quite nicely constructed and I do like the lines as quick little images that lightly touch on a larger scene. You also have a great command of description and the words feel like they have been thought out well for the right effect, which can be difficult at times. Oh, do like the nod to Emerson in the introduction. In all, excellent work.
A very nifty conceit for the poem, and well crafted. Great from a visual perspective, but just as important, the poem reads well (and strange opinion here, I think poetry is better served being read aloud, but I know this medium makes it impossible) and is very touching. I think, as a nation, we have done better in honoring the soldier who must make sacrifices for our freedom. During Vietnam, the nation kind of lost its way. People certainly had the right to protest the war, but the way soldiers were treated then was unconscianable. Thankfully, we have moved beyond that and honor our troops regardless of the country's policy on war. Well done.
Very nicely done and excellent imagery considering the poem was composed of two word lines and great job getting the rhyme down (something I confess to not being great at :) Just really liked the melodious flow to the piece. You capture nature well in this.
Great imagery of the wonder that is our galaxy. Creates a sense of longing to explore that wonderful void and see what lay within. It felt a little short, but only because I wanted to hear more. Wonderful poem.
I like the epitath... very Tombstone-ish and the interesting epitaths you see on the graves there (and in the movie) I like the quick short lines for the very long verse, but it gives a feel of the Old West shootout and that sense of urgency about those who are about to meet their end, and the ending was quite ironinc. Well done.
Very interesting story, and nice concept. I thought it was executed nicely as well. You gave out just enough information about the background of the societies and what was going on with Earth, the Berlixeauians, and the Johalimar to aid the reader, but not overwhelm them with detail (though I find background date neat, but some readers might feel it bogs them down). Also, using ADHD as the epidemic was a very clever conceit, not many would use it. (and it really is endemic amongst children, alas). The story moves well, and the plot is great, not feeling contrived in the slightest. In all, really well written story.
In a way, reads somewhat prosey, but the difference between poetic prose and prosey poetry is a fine line, so I dont quibble usually. (been accused of crossing such lines myself). The world is such an interesting, wonderful and terrible place all at once, and this piece seems to try and reach those emotions. It would be nice if we could resolve our differences, but the world never sees fit to agree with us. At any rate, nice work.
Really good for a work and progress and you capture the fear and prejudice of the time well. Thankfully, the trials were finally vanquished before an American Inquisition could be set up. That would have but a crimp in the Revolution, had the witch hunters been allowed to propagate. The dialogue is a little contemporary, but then it is difficult to get the time period right.. heck, look at movies, they just dump Americanized language into the 14th century. :) Great work so far, and look forward to reading the rest.
How true at times in describing the vagaries of professional sports. An interesting form of social commentary using a lunatic who charges the field while under the influence of legal drugs. As a bonafide sports junkie, I think we do pay too much attention to pro sports and athletes. On the other hand, if they werent there, then we would have some other form of violent entertainment to add to our lives. Of course, sport in America could be worse. We're not burning down soccer stadiums or murdering fullbacks for scoring on their own team (as happened in Colombia when one of their defenders scored off a deflection into their own goal, giving the USA one of the wierdest wins in World Cup history)... yet. We do have the occassional football riots (and I might have rioted the way the Cows stunk up the game yesterday), but sport here is still timid compared to Europe and other parts of the world. Great read, and funny throughout.
Nicely constructed and appropo for the holidays, though it needs to be applied during the whole year. I guess this time of year reminds us of what is important and perhaps what needs to be worked on the next year, maybe that is how it is rationalised. Nice rythmn to this piece and gets the point across clearly and concisely. Excellent work.
Very moving and the yearning of the narrator is intense and the voice carries the poem. It is a very well crafted plea and I imagine this during a raging storm whil lifting up arms to the Great Spirit (or whomever we hold the Creator to be :) The poem touched a chord deeply, partly since I am 1/3 Cherokee, the other just a sense of connection to a collective spirit. We all have the moments where we have nothing left but to call out for help. Whether anyone answers is one of those questions that have befuddled philosphers for all time. Great work.
Very nice poem and one could feel the hoofbeats of the horses while reading it. Nice way to tell the story, using verse. I think it enhances the imagery nicely. The horse motif reminds me of a heavy cavalry charge from medieval times. Excellent work.
If you apply Occam's razor to Evolution and a created universe, oddly the created universe would win, as it is the simpler explanation and according to the medieval scientist (kind of an oxymoron in a way)how is law is interpreted.
It is possible that our origins lie between the two. Perhaps evolution brought many species to the point at where they are now, because of the millions of years involved in their changes; however, it should be pointed out we are a relatively new species and for us to have advanced the way we have in such a short amount of time is impossible through accepted theories of evolution. Raises many questions, really. And many theories have been expressed for Homo Sapiens sudden appearance, varying from alien intervention to spontaneous generation (the Creationist view). Personally, I think alien intervention sounds pretty cool, but that is the scifi devotee in me :)
As for the article itself, it is well written and the points are succint and do look at multiple points of view to arrive at your conclusions. Any discussion of evolution is tricky and your support is quite strong, but also as theoretical in some cases as evolution. Fact is, we may never know, and one of the beautiful, and somewhat annoying realities of life. Well done.
I really handed out a vast majority of my commentary in the prior review, but this to me, is how a reviewer should approach their subject most of the time. And this essay is extremely well written and well laid out, giving the reader all the information that is needed on how you make your decisions for reviewing. I do agree for the most part, though I must say a piece has to really, really be horrible for me to give out a 1. I mean we're talking Ed Wood bad here :) In any event, excellent essay and it is good to know and get a feel for how various authors here do rate items.
I felt the need to comment on this and the 'Comment in a Box' only because I have rated a large number of items in a short period of time and like many others, post what I do or do not do in reviewing. I see how this needed to be addressed you being a senior moderator and all, and everyone comes to you for questions. So this was done quite well in that regard and addresses the issues succinctly and with honesty. That part I most wholeheartedly agree with and find no fault in the way the essay is conducted.
However, if I may on a couple of points above offer my own perspective only to illustrate why they differ. Granted, I agree in the majority in this matter, but below are what I find I do differently.
'I wont hand out anything lower than a 4.0 rating' :
Well, many of the works I rate generally are 4.0 and above, but I have had to lower the boom so to speak and give out lesser ratings. I generally dont like it, but some works demand it. Of course, in all my ratings I explain the reasons for doing so. I feel the comments are far more important than the rating itself... yes it is what the author sees, but the words are important.
'I think writing.com should come up with a different rating system':
I agree that the system in place is good with the exception of two things: one, rating only. I think it is terrible and allows the reader/reviewer an easy out. It also gives them an out to trash something for no reason at times. If we are to help authors by reviewing them, then having an optional rate only system defeats our purpose here. Yes, most reviewers do not utilise 'rate only' but simply having it can act as a crutch and a way out. Secondly, I have never been comfortable with the anonymous review. Again, gives the reviewer an easy out. I think it shows a lack of respect for the author, as with the rating without reviewing. I also dislike the anonymous feature cause I want to be able to return the favor for someone who has taken the time to review my works. If I dont know who they are, then it defeats my alternate purpose in helping other authors.
On the whole, I try to rate critically and offer some perspective or point of view to assist the other, or maybe add an antecdote to help illustrate their theme. I want to support them with my words, not the number. Hence, my dissatisfaction with those aspects of the reviewing system. Now, by no means am I dissatisfied with writing.com. I absolutely love it and the sense of community it engenders. It has helped me in many ways not having to do with writing. So, a glitch here and there is nothing to worry about :)
In all well written and well constructed and I do agree with the majority of the essay. My apologies for rambling. It happens more often on subjects such as these.
I like the switch from poetry to prose. Often times it does not work well, but the subjects are intertwined nicely enough for it to work. Interesting in the poem how not far from civilisation, wolves still live their lives and go one, like other denizens of the woods do. And the descriptions of the wolves and their cubs was very nice. Excellent work.
That was quite cleverly constructed, not finding out the 'truth' until the end, though I had my suspicions early on, jsut by the tone of the story. I thought of some sort of French resistance spy ring, so I wasnt far off, I guess. The love story was certainly the center of the piece and what at first seemed simple adolescent love turned into something greater: a fight for survival in some rather dark days.
In all, quite well done, and a very satisfying ending.
Regards,
Chris
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